Graduation is right around the corner, and it’s about more than just the cap and gown–it also means it’s time to find the dress that’ll make you feel amazing when you walk across the stage. Whether you’re looking for something classy, bold, or totally unique, there are tons of places (in-person and online) to score the perfect grad dress without completely breaking the bank. Plus, if you’re into the meaning behind colors, I’ve got you covered with a quick guide on popular grad dress colors. This guide will give you the best places to buy graduation dresses and break down some of the colors and styles people traditionally wear.
Altar’d State
Altar’d State has so many different options for grad dress, with a location at the Rosedale Shopping Center and an online store under their Women’s Dresses – Formal, Casual & More | Altar’d State. They offer a wide variety of dresses in different colors, lengths, and styles—perfect if you’re looking for something more unique or dressy. While their regular prices can be a little high, they also have a solid clearance section where you can find cute options for as low as $20–$30.
Hollister
Hollister is another great spot to check out for grad dresses and can be found both at the Rosedale Shopping Center and online at Womens Grad Season | Hollister. They recently dropped a 2025 graduation collection that includes everything from cute dresses and tops to matching sweats and pajamas. While some of their dresses can be on the pricier side, they often run deals and discounts—right now, you can find some grad dresses for as low as $25–$35. One of my favorite features is that they offer different length options online, including petite, regular, and tall, which makes it so much easier to find a perfect fit.
Marshalls
Marshalls is a go-to for affordable and stylish spring dresses. There is a store located in Harmar Mall. They just released new spring dresses in styles of mini-maxi lengths and floral print to solid colors. Since Marshalls carries name-brand items at discounted prices, you can sometimes score dresses that would normally be $60+ for half the price.
Plato’s Closet/Local Thrift Stores
For super affordable and sustainable options, try Plato’s Closet (located in Rosedale Square) or your local thrift stores. Plato’s is great for finding trendy, gently-used dresses at a fraction of the original price. While local thrift shops are a bit more of a treasure hunt, however, that’s half the fun.
Beginning Boutique
If you’re looking for something trendy and cute, Beginning Boutique is a solid online option. They’re based in Australia but ship worldwide, and their grad dress selection is full of stylish but casual pieces. Prices can range a bit higher, usually around $50–$100, but It’s definitely worth browsing if you want something that feels a little extra and stands out from the typical mall finds. Grad Dresses | Beginning Boutique US
Nuuly
Nuuly is a great option if you’re looking to rent a stylish and sustainable graduation dress without committing to a purchase. For $98/ month, Nuuly allows you to rent any six items from a vast collection of over 3,000 styles, including dresses from many popular brands. This is a wonderful and versatile option so that you can try multiple dresses and can wear them all month long and all grad season to events like either graduation or to yours or someone elses grad party. Shipping, returns, laundry, and repairs are all included in the subscription, and if you fall in love with a piece, you have the option to buy it at a discounted price.
Colors, Patterns, and Style
When it comes to grad dress colors, black and white are timeless favorites. Black is classic and elegant, while white carries the symbolic meaning of purity and new beginnings—perfect for closing one chapter and starting the next. Floral dresses are also super popular since they add a soft pop of color and are totally on-theme for spring and summer. At the end of the day, there are no strict rules when it comes to picking your grad dress—just choose something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and cute. Graduation is on June 8 at 4 PM, so you still have plenty of time to find the perfect look!
